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Cognizant Transform Society Challenge at Birkbeck

When: —
Venue: Birkbeck Central

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Looking to build your work experience and skills? Interested in solving a real challenge from the local community? Keen to learn about what you need to do to get the jobs you want in the future? This might be the opportunity you've been looking for!

Introduction to the Transform Society Challenge

For this Challenge Day Birkbeck University will be joined by James Darley, CEO of Transform Society, who has recruited over 10,000 graduates across FMCG, Investment Banking and Public Sector over a 26-year career in graduate recruitment.  In association with Cognizant he will set you a real-life problem to solve, share with you hints and tips on how to get to get jobs in the future and give you feedback on your team’s performance presenting your ideas at the end of the day.

This challenge will help you whatever sector you are interested in, skills being developed during the day include creativity, time management, communication, teamwork and presentation skills – all of which are often assessed by top employers through a similar experience at assessment centres.

*No previous knowledge is required as you will be provided with all the information on the day*

How it works:

Taking on this real-world community challenge, over the course of the day you will be:
Hearing about the challenges from James Darley, CEO Transform Society
Divided into group to collaborate in a multi-skilled team. You will work together to plan, research and present robust, viable solutions.
Presenting and pitching your ideas in groups to effect real change
Taking part in an activity / task that will offer a brilliant addition to your CV and to outline at interview
Developing teamwork, communication, problem-solving skills and creativity, all important when transitioning into the workplace.
Getting the opportunity to receive feedback on your group performance
Receiving a certificate of completion with time at the end for celebration, networking and photo opportunities

Where and how the session will run:

The day will all take place in Convservatory 1st floor Birkbeck Central Building from 17:00 to 21:00. You will be introduced to the day and the challenges and divided into groups to work on and present your solution. On the day we will provide participants with support from experienced staff members to help shape your propositions. 

By the end of the session, you will:

Have new skills and experience for you CV and confidence
Have gained new networking contacts
Have developed your skills, knowledge and commercial awareness
Worked on a real local community challenge
Who will be hosting the session?

This session will be hosted by James Darley, Transform Society and colleagues from the Careers Service.  Guests from Cognizant have also been invited. 

Access & Inclusion Statement: Birkbeck Careers is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all our sessions. Please get in touch at c.hennigar@bbk.ac.uk to discuss any adjustments you require to fully access and engage with this session. If you are unsure of what adjustments would support your engagement with this event, please contact us and we can discuss more details of the event delivery and activities and how we can support you in taking part.

Open to Birkbeck students and alumni

Contact name: Chloe Hennigar

Speakers
  • James Darley —

    James Darley is the founder and CEO of Transform Society, a UK-based organisation dedicated to helping individuals understand the competitive landscape for applicants and how to demonstrate their potential in various sectors, including public service. Transform Society aims to inspire students to consider working with public service bodies, believing that the next generation of leaders should include those with frontline experience in tackling social inequality.

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